Social Security Number
A Social Security Number (SSN) is used by employers and employees for the purpose of reporting individual employee earnings for tax purposes. The SSN is valid for life, so you only need to apply once. An SSN is also often used for a variety of unofficial purposes, such as opening phone, utility, or bank/credit card accounts, however you can do all those transactions without an SSN.
You must be currently present in the U.S. on a visa category/status that allows you to request of a Social Security Number. If you are working in the U.S., you are expected to get an SSN as your employer will need this.
You can begin to work and get paid even if you don’t have the SSN, but you should make every effort to get it quickly. The Social Security Administration provides more information on working without an SSN if you need to give it to your non-UMass employer.
You cannot apply for an SSN abroad. Applications can be started online but must be finished in person within 45 days of your online submission at a Social Security Administration office.
The closest SSN Office is located at Holyoke, MA:
200 High Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
Phone: (877) 480-4989
Check the link above for their hours—it is generally best to go earlier in the day when the SSN office has just opened.
Applications usually take 3-4 weeks to process but can take as long as 2 months. If you have not received your card in the mail within 2 months of application, you will need to contact the office where you submitted your SSN application.
You will need to include the following documents in your SSN application:
- Valid Passport
- Visa Stamp (unless Canadian)
- SS-5 (SSN Application) electronic version; Paper Version of the SS-5 (you must complete either the paper version or the electronic version to apply)
- I-94: go to “Get my I-94” at the top of the website and put in your personal information. They want your I-94 NOT your travel history.
- Additional requirements will be listed in each specific status below.
| Specific Status | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| F-1 Student Working On-Campus at UMass |
|
|
F-1 Student on CPT |
|
| F-1 Student on OPT |
|
| J-1 Student at UMass |
|
| J-1 Scholar at UMass |
|
| Third Party (non-UMass sponsored: Fulbright, LAPSAU, US AID, etc.) |
|
| Active H-1B/O-1 |
|
| TN |
|
| Dependents |
|
A Social Security Denial Letter is needed as proof of ineligibility if you are applying for a driver’s license or state ID. Getting an SSN Denial Letter does not prohibit you from applying for an SSN in the future.
- To Request a Denial Letter: Fax copies of the following documents to 833-902-2526: your completed SS-5 application (write “looking for denial” at the top of this application), passport ID page, and your current I-20 or DS-2019.
International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
The International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is for certain non-resident aliens and their dependents who are not eligible for an SSN but need to file tax documents. Note: you do not need an ITIN to file an 8843. If you are a paid employee and have a W-2, you should not use an ITIN but apply for an SSN.
To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and identity for each individual. We recommend that you use an IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent or go to a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. Do NOT mail your original documents as they can get lost.
Allow 7 weeks for the IRS to notify you of your ITIN application status (9 to 11 weeks if you submit the application during peak processing periods (January 15 through April 30) or if you’re filing from overseas). After processing, the IRS will issue your ITIN through the mail.
The ITIN does not:
- entitle the recipient to social security benefits
- indicate immigration status
- give the right to work in the U.S.
ISSS does not process or advise on ITIN requests.